When and how to support the intestinal microbiota?

Gut microbiota, also known as gut microbiota, plays a key role in maintaining the health of our bodies. It is worth understanding when and how to support this important community of microorganisms living in our intestines to enjoy good physical and mental condition. In this article, we will discuss what the intestinal microflora is, what functions it performs, when it needs support, why we use probiotics with antibiotics, what probiotics are, what to pay attention to when choosing a probiotic preparation for a child, and we will present some suggestions for taking care of our intestinal microbiota.

What is intestinal microflora?

Intestinal microflora is a complex community of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that inhabit our intestines. The composition of this community is diverse and may vary from person to person. Intestinal microbiota is concentrated mainly in the large intestine, where it performs many important functions. The microflora includes both beneficial bacteria (probiotics) and those that may be harmful to the body, but in the right balance, they fulfill important tasks.

Functions of intestinal microflora

The intestinal microflora has many important functions. Here are a few of them:

• Maintaining the microbiological balance in the digestive tract.
• Supporting digestion and absorption of nutrients.
• Production of vitamins such as vitamin K and vitamin B12.
• Strengthening the immune system by developing the body’s defense capabilities.
• Protection against colonization by pathogens and pathogenic microorganisms.

When does the intestinal microflora need support?

There are situations in which the intestinal microflora may be disturbed and needs additional support. Here are a few of them:

• Taking antibiotics: Antibiotics can destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the intestines, so it is worth considering supplementing with probiotics during antibiotic treatment.
• Intestinal diseases: In the case of intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome or other intestinal diseases, the balance of microflora may be disturbed.
• Poor diet: A diet low in fiber and high in processed foods can negatively impact the intestinal microbiota.
• Stress and mental disorders: Emotions and stress can affect the balance of intestinal microflora.

Why do we use a probiotic with an antibiotic?

When you take antibiotics, these drugs can destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria in your body. This may lead to an imbalance in the intestinal microflora and result in various ailments, such as diarrhea or fungal infections. The use of probiotics during and after antibiotic treatment helps restore the microbial balance in the intestines.

What exactly are probiotics?

Probiotics are live microorganisms, mainly bacteria, that have a beneficial effect on the health of the body, especially the intestinal microflora. Popular probiotic strains are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Probiotics can be consumed in the form of supplements or found naturally in certain foods, such as yogurt or kefir.

What should we pay attention to when choosing a probiotic preparation for a child?

If you are considering supplementing your child with probiotics, it is important to choose the right preparation. Here are some tips:

• Consultation with a doctor: It is always worth consulting a pediatrician before starting probiotic supplementation in a child.
• Choosing the right strain: Choose a probiotic that contains bacterial strains appropriate for your child’s age and health needs.
• Product quality: Check the manufacturer’s reputation and make sure the product is stored properly.

Your suggestions

Taking care of your intestinal microflora is an important aspect of maintaining health. It is worth remembering that what we eat and what health habits we maintain have an impact on the condition of our microbiota. Consultation with a doctor or dietitian can help you select appropriate strategies to support your intestinal microflora, such as changing your diet, supplementing with probiotics, or reducing stress. Let’s take care of our intestinal microbiota and our health will benefit from it.